Application Information
Please review the AAFS, Section, and status requirements in detail prior to beginning the application process.
Application Timeline |
|---|
| The Membership Committee is completing the 2025 Spring Cycle review. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in early July. |
| The Next Application Cycle Timeline (new applicants and members requesting a status upgrade): |
| Applications being accepted July 1! |
Fall Cycle | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Period | July 1 | October 1 |
| Review Period | October 1 | January 31 |
| Decision Period | The Board of Directors will approve recommended applications on February 9, 2026. Applicants will be notified of decision immediately and receive a 2026 dues notice prior to April 1. | |
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the application and supporting documentation are submitted to the AAFS office by the deadline.
The required application fee must accompany the application form. If your application is approved, you will receive a dues invoice with your notification of approval; membership is activated upon membership dues payment.
Application Fee: $75
Credit cards incur 3% processing fee
Application fee not applied to annual membership dues payment if approved
The Following Application Timeline (new applicants only):
| The Following Application Timeline (new applicants only): | |
|---|---|
| Applications submission portal will open February 1, 2026 |
Spring Cycle | Start Date | End Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission Period | February 1 | April 1 | |
| Review Period | April 1 | June 30 | |
| Decision Period | Decision Period | The Board of Directors will approve recommended applications July 2026. Applicants will be notified of decision immediately and receive a pro-rated 2026 dues notice prior to August 1. | |
| Only non-member applications are being accepted during the Spring Application Cycle. If you wish to promote or upgrade within the Academy, you must wait until the Fall Application Cycle to apply. |
Member Benefits
Each AAFS section provides opportunities for professional development, personal contacts, awards, and recognition. Sections keep their members informed regarding activities and developments in their fields through the AAFS weekly newsletter.
- Enhance your professional credibility and strengthen the trustworthiness of your courtroom testimony.
- Align yourself with a prestigious network of experts, reinforcing your reputation and dependability in the field.
- Vast networking and collaboration opportunities
- Reduced rate to attend the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference
- $433 in savings with a free digital Subscription to the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS) (Student Affiliates can purchase the JFS at a reduced price)
- Free or discounted access to AAFS Webinars, educational books, and other resources
- Ability to join mentorship programs as mentor or mentee
- Job opportunities and expert witness referrals
- Ability to conduct and host educational webinars
- Section and Academy leadership opportunities with a voice in AAFS bylaws, policies, decision-making
- Ability to serve on Section and Academy-wide committees
- Continuing education credit
- Opportunity to apply for grants, scholarships, and awards with up to $170,000 available in annually funding
- *New | Member Discounts and Deals for Theme Parks, Hotels, Ski Resorts, Events, Shopping, and more
- *New | One Month of Free Therapy with BetterHelp
Manage Your Membership Status
Note: For Current Members Only
- Upgrade Your Membership Status | Click here
- You must be either a Professional Affiliate, Student Affiliate, or Trainee Affiliate to upgrade to another status. - Promote Your Membership Status | Click here
- The criteria for promotion are applicable to all Associate Members seeking promotion to Member, or Members seeking promotion to Fellow. Please review the AAFS Policy and Procedure Manual 2.6 Section Promotion Requirements for further information. - Confirm Eligibility with AAFS | Click here
- Student Affiliates and Trainee Affiliates must submit an eligibility form every year.
- Professional Affiliates must fill out an eligibility form every 3 years. - Retired Status Information
- Disabled Status Information